O pinion
This Super Sunday, Remember
that Every Dollar Counts
that go into every dollar raised
and spent. With many diverse
voices contributing to the pro-
cess, Jewish Federation donors
can rest assured that their dol-
lars are used in accordance with
our Jewish values to collectively
achieve the most good.

Through this process we are
creating bonds with those who
share our values and are dedicated
to the same cause. And we are
opening our doors and our hearts
to people and communities who
are in need of extra support.

It is not an easy time to be
Jewish: Following the terrible
events at the Tree of Life syn-
agogue in Pittsburgh and the
continued rise in anti-Semi-
tism in our country, I’m consis-
tently reminded why the work
KVETCH ’N KVELL
Instead of Aborting, Try Adoption
CONFRONTED WITH NEW York state’s newly adopted “late term
abortion” policy, I would offer an alternate solution for other states con-
sidering the same policy (“Where Religion Falls Short,” Jan. 31).

Given that our country now recognizes that loving relation-
ships come in all colors, beliefs and genders, rather than killing
these late-term babies, let’s offer couples who are looking to
adopt a beautiful child.

Rather than wasting a life, we would be fulfilling a dream
for prospective parents while still allowing the birth mother to
end her pregnancy. Viable preterm babies can live healthy lives.

Happily, the American population has melted into a beautiful
rainbow of colors, beliefs and gender combinations.

Let’s use this much needed and wanted congruence to permit
adoption of these fragile, but most certainly vibrant with life,
babies. Let’s give them a loving home rather than a medical waste
bag. If we want to allow all those wishing asylum to come to our
shores, can we not provide our youngest and most vulnerable
with a first birthday?
are building a stronger, more
inclusive community that truly
ON FEB. 24, Jewish commu-
benefits everyone.

nities will come together across
This year’s event is extra spe-
the Greater Philadelphia region
cial because Super Sunday is
to help raise crucial funds
coming right to our doorstep:
for the Jewish Federation of
Our Main Line community will
Greater Philadelphia.

conveniently have its own event
Super Sunday, as it’s called, is
at the Barbara and Harvey
one of the most important days
Brodsky Enrichment Center of
of the year for Jewish commu-
JFCS in Bala Cynwyd. By host-
nities and, ever since my first
ing five Super Sunday locations
experience nearly a decade ago,
across Greater Philadelphia,
I find it to be most inspiring.

our Jewish Federation is giving
On this day, we officially jump-
neighborhoods the opportu-
start our annual campaign to fund
nity to come together to raise
all the critical and lifesaving work
money, make new friends and
that the Jewish Federation accom-
show our collective strength in
Ann Krauss | Havertown
plishes each year. And we come
order to secure a strong Jewish
future for generations to come.

together to celebrate our success,
Nothing Cavalier Nor Easy About Abortion
In challenging times, it is
connect with new members and
enormously important for Jews A recent letter contains comments and assertions that are
learn more about where our sup-
port is most needed.

patently false (“Human Life is Worth the Inconvenience,” Feb. 7).

The Jewish Federation is
The writer draws the conclusion that women who have abortions
deeply enmeshed in the fabric of As Jews, we understand the importance of
do so for cavalier reasons.

our communities, affecting each
Nothing could be further from the truth. The decision to
and every one of our lives every building bridges and working with all people of
have an abortion is one that requires a great deal of thought. I
day. From young children who all faiths to strengthen our communities.

do not believe that any pregnant woman wakes up one morning
need access to pre-K education,
and says to herself, “I have nothing to do today, so I think I will
to the teens involved in leader-
go and get an abortion.” Any woman who contemplates ending
ship programs, to the adults who of the Jewish Federation is so to continue to help other Jews in a pregnancy does so for deeply personal reasons, and I do not
need career advice and network- important. Just one day after every step of their lives. Super question her thought processes.

ing and to the elder adults who this recent tragedy, the Jewish Sunday is the best way for the
Furthermore, the writer says that safe and legal abortions
need assistance to continue to Federation brought together Jewish community to meet were easily available in Philadelphia prior to the decision in Roe
live in their home — the Jewish people of all faiths for a com- face to face and work side by v. Wade in 1973. This is incorrect. A woman who wanted an
Federation is there.

munity vigil. And the day after side to ensure our most critical abortion in Pennsylvania prior to 1973 had to find two psychia-
Every day, this organization that, a high-level security brief- needs are met and that our chil- trists who would deem her unfit to take care of a child.

and its connected agencies pro- ing was organized to deliver dren will share a bright, Jewish
Let that sink in for a moment. A woman who was already a
vide lifelines to so many of our much-needed information to future. I look forward to seeing mother had to convince two other adults that she was an unfit
most vulnerable community all of our local Jewish groups. you there. And for those of you mother. Assuming she went through that ordeal, she had to find
members locally, in Israel and
As Jews, we understand the who aren’t able to make it, join a doctor who would agree to perform the abortion. This was not
around the world.

importance of building bridges in the spirit of the occasion and an easy task. The usual ways were through someone who knew
someone, or going to an unlicensed practitioner and risking infec-
With so many causes in need and working with all people of answer that phone call. l
tion and/or death; there was also the “do it yourself” method, also
of support, the Jewish Federation all faiths to strengthen our com-
eliminates any guesswork on munities. It is critical now more Jodi Krasilovsky Miller lives in
known as the wire coat hanger. Also, in 1973, many doctors would
where donations might create than ever for us to stand together Wynnewood. Super Sunday will
not prescribe contraception and, in many states, it was illegal.

the biggest impact. As chair of in order to continue to grow and be held on Feb. 24 at five locations
I always thought that Judaism defined when life begins as the
the Jewish Federation’s Women’s thrive. Fortunately, the Jewish across the Greater Philadelphia
moment when the head emerges from the birth canal and the
Philanthropy affinity group, I see Federation is poised to address region. For a listing of all locations,
soul enters the body.

firsthand the intricate budget, these challenges — and by giv- times and directions, visit jewish-
One thing I have learned in my 80 years is to try not to be too
allocation and strict evaluations ing to the Jewish Federation, we philly.org/SuperSunday.

judgmental of other people’s life decisions since I cannot possibly
know what is really going on in their lives and why they make the
choices they do. I think that it would serve the writer well if he
Statement From the Publisher
applied that philosophy to his own thinking and spent his time
We are a diverse community. The views expressed in the opinion columns and letters published in the Jewish Exponent are those of the
trying to make life better for the living. l
BY JODI KRASILOVSKY MILLER
authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the officers and boards of the Jewish Publishing Group and/or the Jewish Federation
of Greater Philadelphia. Send letters to letters@jewishexponent.com or fax to 215-569-3389. Letters should be a maximum of 200 words
and may be edited for clarity and brevity. Unsigned letters will not be published.

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Jean Stein | Media
FEBRUARY 21, 2019
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